The final of the 2025 "Understanding Contemporary China" National College Students' Foreign Language Proficiency Competition, co-organized by Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press and the China Education Association for International Exchange, was successfully held on the afternoon of October 9 at Jianquan Hall, Wuhan Textile University. The activity was attended by Professor Tan Yanbao, Dean of the School of Foreign Languages, Associate Professor Luo Qilun, Deputy Dean, and Peng Yang Cihang, Deputy Party Secretary. The competition was hosted by Cui Jiajing, a sophomore majoring in English, and Wang Yihuo, a freshman. Centered on the theme "Striking the Waves" and guided by the mission of "Understanding China, Communicating with the World," the contest showcased participants' strong foreign language proficiency, deep national sentiment, and exceptional comprehensive competence.

Prior to the competition, Tan Yanbao delivered the opening address. She warmly welcomed contestants from various colleges, invited guests, international friends, faculty members, and student attendees. She encouraged students to seize this valuable opportunity to articulate independent thinking as representatives of China’s new generation—using youth as the pen and language as the ink. Emphasizing the importance of understanding the historical and cultural foundations underpinning China’s development path, governance model, and theoretical framework, she urged students to transform their insights into compelling narratives that convey authentic Chinese experiences. Dean Tan further stressed that each student should embrace the responsibility of serving as a cultural bridge between China and the world, contributing to a more comprehensive and nuanced global understanding of China.

The English speech competition at the university level was structured in two rounds. The first round consisted of a prepared speech, during which contestants delivered presentations on the theme "Striking the Waves," articulating their understanding of China's development path, governance model, and underlying philosophical framework from a youth perspective. The second round was an impromptu Q&A session, in which participants responded to questions posed by the judges in real time, demonstrating their linguistic proficiency, logical reasoning, and ability to adapt under pressure.

The judging panel comprised faculty members Wu Zhijie, Tang Xian, Cao Ting, Li Yunxia, and foreign experts Lance and Isaac from America. Evaluations were based on multiple criteria, including content depth, linguistic accuracy, coherence of structure, and overall stage presence. After rigorous assessment, three contestants were awarded first prize, four received second prize, and six were granted third prize.

Before the awards ceremony, Prof. Cao Ting delivered a comprehensive evaluation of the competition. She commended all participants for their courage in taking the stage and for exhibiting a solid foundation in spoken English. From a pedagogical standpoint, she offered constructive feedback, encouraging students to refine their rhetorical precision and deepen the intellectual substance and logical rigor of their speeches. She emphasized that effective public speaking should transcend mere linguistic performance, aiming instead to provoke thoughtful dialogue and emotional resonance. She extended her sincere congratulations to all awardees and encouraged them to view this achievement as a stepping stone toward greater accomplishments in intercultural communication and storytelling.

The successful implementation of this campus final not only reflects the outcomes of ongoing reforms in foreign language education and the advancement of the “Three Advances” initiative at Wuhan Textile University, but also provides students with a high-quality platform to cultivate interdisciplinary skills and demonstrate their talents. The first-prize winners will advance to represent WTU in the provincial-level competition, where they will continue to show the academic excellence and cultural confidence of WTU students. Through their participation, they actively fulfill the competition’s mission of “telling China’s story well and enhancing international communication”.